The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year?

November 27, 2012

Firstly let me just say that I am a massive fan of Christmas and this isn’t at all meant to be a ‘bah humbug’ kind of post but I must admit I have found the run up to the festive period more stressful this year. Now we are the swing of it I don’t feel as bad but a couple of weeks ago the thought of it was making my stomach churn. I think most of it is down to the fact we now have less money coming in since I have chosen to be a stay at home mum. I am loving being home with my little boy and I wouldn’t change it but it does occasionally give us some money worries. Also, the thought of going out Christmas shopping with a toddler fills me with dread and the thought of hunting out Christmas gifts on a budget can be a bit daunting. My family are quite sensible with gifts and we set a limit but even so I do like to put thought into my presents to show my lovely family and friends how much they have been appreciated over the year.

Last year I got some lovely home made presents from friends and to me they mean as much, if not more than a bought gift. Someone has taken the time and care to make something, and more often than not it is a tasty morsel!

Although I have still bought a lot of my presents I also wanted to have a go at including something home made as a little stocking filler. I’ve have already made my own chutney which is merrily maturing in the kitchen cupboard and I also hope to make some Christmassy biscuits and maybe try my hand at some fudge. This is the first year I have given it a go and maybe as the years go on I will get more adventurous. I’m not very crafty (would like to try salt dough decorations though) but I do like to bake and cook so I thought this would be a great way of making my own home made presents and saving a few of those pennies! I hope that people will appreciate a home made gift; I will have put lots of love and effort in, and of course I am giving them in the hopes that they will be very tasty and greatly enjoyed over the Christmas period and it really will be the most wonderful time of the year! Is anyone else giving some home made gifts this year and are you looking forward to receiving any?

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6 Comments

Hello, thanks for your comment at The Mad House. I think the beauty of Christmas books is that you can add to them year in and out. It is wonderful to get them out year after year and create traditions with your little one.

We do not have a lot of cash this christmas, but it will be spent with family and that is all that matters,

I am hoping to build up our collection of Christmas books as the years go on, your collection looks great! We always enjoy spending Christmas with family so I will focus on that. Thank you for your comment.

I think a homemade gift is lovely to receive. I always have great plans for making some, but it usually gets a bit crazy in December and I never get around to doing it. I do spend an afternoon doing some fresh flower arrangements for teachers and the neighbours though.

The flowers are a lovely idea, I’m sure that people love getting them! It’s great that you use what you have a talent for, unfortunately I am hopeless with flowers but I’m hoping my cooking skills are up to the task.

i have got some great deals via Groupon for photo gifts which is what my parents and grandparents will be getting from the boys and us. last year i attempted homemade gifts of chutney and biscotti which was fun to do, but i wont have time this year due to our impending move in 2 weeks time. i think people appreciate homemade gifts it shows you have out in a lot of effort and time x x

I don’t blame you for not making anything this year, as if your move won’t be stressful enough and right on top of Christmas too! A busy time ahead. Photo gifts are always great when you have lovely children to show off 🙂 xx